Israel makes audacious bid to host Euros, Champions League if disrupted by Covid

Israel has lodged an audacious bid to host parts of the Euros, Champions League and Europa League, if they are disrupted by the ongoing pandemic. 

German tabloid Bild reported that Israel’s Football Association had stepped forward with a proposal to UEFA, the sport’s governing body in Europe, offering to host the latter stages of club competitions, as well as the international Euros.

Israel has a world-beating vaccination programme with more than 5 million jabs being delivered, leading to a suppression in infection rates, and the possibility of crowds at sporting events.

In a statement to Jewish News, the Israeli Football Association said: “We did offer UEFA any assistance necessary. We hope for all the Euro hosting, the national teams and clubs that it won’t be needed.”

UEFA reaffirmed its intention to run the Euro 2021 Championship across 12 different European cities, after the competition was postponed due to Covid-19 last year.

In a statement to Jewish News, it said: “The Israeli FA did offer their facilities should UEFA need them this year. However, UEFA fully intends that all its events (including club finals and the EURO) will be staged in their intended venues and is working hard with its partners and stakeholders to secure that.”

British football pundit Derek Rae said on Twitter that “UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin has promised to look at the proposal” by Israel.